Bloom Time (2)

Perennials

Falls series of trailing heucherellasHeucherellas — a cross between coral bells (heucheras) and tiarellas — are tough performers for Iowa shade gardens. Now try the first trailing heucherellas: ‘Sunrise Falls’ (top), ‘Redstone Falls’, and ‘Yellowstone Falls’. “They’re perfect additions to combo planters or by themselves in a hanging basket,” says Hogue. “They also spill along the ground as a showy groundcover.” Consider using them in place of the annual sweet potato vine. Photo courtesy Terra Nova Nurseries.

Hardy hibiscusMore types of hardy hibiscus come on the market every year, and Kovarik welcomes them. “This is another one people don’t believe is hardy in our area.” He likes ‘Party Favor’, ‘Cristi’, ‘Sultry Kiss’, and the Summerific series, all with large, 8- to 10-inch-wide flowers. Photo courtesy Bailey Nurseries.

Hardy hibiscus5 feet tall and wide
Full sun to part shade
Zone 4

Roses
If you think roses won’t survive Iowa winters, think again. Kovarik is zealous about the Easy Elegance line of shrub roses. They’re tough and beautiful, and many in the collection trick you into thinking they’re hybrid teas. “Honestly, every gardener should have a rose in their garden,” says Kovarik. Try Como Park, with medium red petals, and Champagne Wishes, in antique white. Photo courtesy Bailey Nurseries.